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<< Back to Newsletters & Articles Volume 111 Issue 3 What’s INSIDE ?
As you may know, Bermuda and other warm season grasses normally go dormant in the winter months. As a community manager or board member of an association with these turf types, it is probable that you have received a turf overseeding proposal in the past. Overseeding should not be looked upon as an unnecessary procedure, since it is extremely important in improving the health of existing turf as well as providing year-round green lawns. Timing is essential when preparing to overseed. Air and soil temperatures largely determine a successful overseeding program. Without ideal situation, full germination of the seed is rarely achieved. In California, the ideal temperature are present in October and early November. If overseeding is completed too early, the Bermuda grass has not had time to go dormant and competes with the new seed for nutrients and water; If completed too late, cold temperatures will delay germination altogether. Another factor in the success of the program is mowing. Prior to overseeding, the turf should be scalped. This means that the blades of the mowers are lowered to remove a large percentage of turf density. Following overseeding and germination, most landscape maintenance contractors wait until the new grass reaches approximately two inches in length before mowing. Mowing of the newly seeded turf not only increases turf density, but it also makes the turf more tolerant to foot traffic. The final factor is irrigation. Obviously, when new seed germinates, it requires more water than an existing lawn. Therefore, landscape maintenance contractors increase irrigation up to three times per day for short durations. Landscape maintenance contractors must watch the irrigation closely, as too much water would wash away the seed. Lastly, a note on the type of see to use. In the past, Rye was the seed of choice. Today, perennial Rye is the primary seed used largely due in part to its longevity. Although more costly than annual Rye, in reference to longevity, perennial Rye is now the seed of choice as it does not die out each year and aids in the long term health and appearance of the turf. As October approaches, if your association has not received a proposal to overseed the turf, it may be beneficial to contact your landscape maintenance contractor. Timely application is key to enhancing the turf areas of the association you live in or manage.
The Pacific Green Landscape, Inc. Staff Give us a call at (800) 439-9962 or send an e-mail. Mike Regan mregan@pacificgreenlandscape.com Zoen Baldwin zoen@pacificgreenlandscape.com Doug Stout dstout@pacificgreenlandscape.com Krista Monighetti krista@pacificgreenlandscape.com Eric Reed ereed@pacificgreenlandscape.com Jeff Fink jfink@pacificgreenlandscape.com Carlos Contreras ccontreras@pacificgreenlandscape.com Bill Gutirrez bgutirrez@pacificgreenlandscape.com Dan Baldwin dan@pacificgreenlandscape.com Patricio Herrera pherrera@pacificgreenlandscape.com Rhonda Nieber rnieber@pacificgreenlandscape.com Agustin Diaz construction landscape only, contact by phone - (800) 439-9962 |
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green@pacificgreenlandscape.com PHONE: 619.390.9962 FAX: 619.390.0865 TOLL FREE: 800.439.9962 MAIN HEADQUARTERS 8834 Winter Gardens Boulevard Lakeside, California 92040-5419 NORTH COUNTY YARD 1690 Via Cancion San Marcos, California 92078 |
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